Candidate Biographies

Christine Hoffmann Adams ’71                              CUS                Egg Harbor Township, NJ

Involvement & Support of Immaculata University:

• Carol Night
• Alumni Reunion Weekend
• South Jersey alumni events

Why I’m Interested in Serving on the Alumni Board of Governors:

Reunions have brought me back to Immaculata.  The experience of revisiting campus and seeing all the enhancements that have been generated over time filled me with pride.  I would like to help regenerate this same pride in our IU alumni and in turn generate more financial support.

Other Business Experience and Positions Held:

• Buying Office, Sears Roebuck & Co.
• Steinbach & Co., sales supervisor
• Owned 2 retails shops, Fine Chocolates, 20 years.
• Clothing & Accessories, 3 yrs.
• Atlantic City concierge 12 yrs.

Professional Organizations, Membership and Positions Held

• Greater Atlantic City Concierge Assoc., board member

Community Service and Philanthropic Activities

• League of Shore Memorial Hospital
• Fund raising event for Stockton University
• Atlantic City Hostess for Miss America Pageant
• Charity League of Atlantic Co.

Awards/Commendations Received: 

• Waiting for my commendation for having been married 50 years!

Melanie Dudley ’14                                                 CUS                Wilmington, DE

Employment:   Assistant Director/Program Manager of the Eleanor H. McCullen Center for Law,
Religion and Public Policy, Villanova University

Involvement & Support of Immaculata University:

• Attended Immaculata University Awards Reception, 2023, and received the
  2023 Scientia Floret Virtute Award
• Joined 20Below Advisory Council for Immaculata University graduates of the last 20 years &
  attended 20Below launch event on October 14, 2023 at Immaculata.

Why I’m Interested in Serving on the Alumni Board of Governors:

I am proud to be an Immaculata graduate, and I am grateful for all that the Immaculata community has done to support me on my educational journey and beyond. I was the recipient of a Presidential Scholarship at Immaculata, and I would like to give back to the community that gifted me with an education rooted in virtue and encourage other alumni to stay involved and connected to one another, as well.

Other Business Experience and Positions Held:

• Attorney Recruitment & Development Project Assistant at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher
  & Flom LLP (Wilmington, DE)
• Assistant Director of the Matthew J. Ryan Center for the Study of Free Institutions and the
  Public Good, Villanova University

Professional Organizations, Membership and Positions Held

• Thomas More Society of Wilmington, DE (Member)
• Young Catholic Professionals of Philadelphia (Director of Evangelization)

Community Service and Philanthropic Activities

• Choir Member, Saint Mary Magdalen Parish, Wilmington, DE
• Lector, Villanova University

Awards/Commendations Received: 

• Immaculata University Scientia Floret Virtute Award, 2023
• Graduate Studies Service Award, Villanova University, 2015

Jessica McHugh ’20                                                 CUS                Allentown, PA

Employment:  Chemist II, Genus Lifesciences

Involvement & Support of Immaculata University:

• I attended and participated in Carol Night as a student and an alumni. It’s one of my favorite Immaculata traditions.  During my senior year, I participated in the event as one of the people to carry baby Jesus during “O Come All Ye Faithful”.
• During my time as a student at Immaculata, I served as an admissions ambassador to help promote Immaculata to prospective students. I’d do private tours for students as needed to assist the admissions department.
• I was a Resident Assistant for three years and served as Head Resident Assistant during my senior year.
• I was involved in numerous community service activities, such as the group that went to Chester County Food Bank every Tuesday.

Why I’m Interested in Serving on the Alumni Board of Governors:

I have always loved my experience with Immaculata University and have loved being able to share my experience with others.  Being a member of the Alumni Association Board of Governors would allow me to continue to be involved in promoting and bettering the community.  I believe that I could provide a new perspective and ideas given that I am a recent graduate of Immaculata and have a brother currently
enrolled at Immaculata.

Other Business Experience and Positions Held:

• Scientist II, Genus Lifesciences; Analytical Associate, Altasciences

Professional Organizations, Membership and Positions Held

• American Chemical Society member

Community Service and Philanthropic Activities

• Spring break trips to Raleigh, NC to work with Habitat for Humanity.
• Winter break trips to New Orleans with SBP weekly visits to Chester County Food Bank during time in college.
• First Harvest volunteer in Nazareth, PA.

Awards/Commendations Received: 

• American Chemical Society Philadelphia Section Achievement Award recipient in 2020
• Monsignor Harnett Medal for Community Service Recipient from Immaculata University in 2020

Laura Pedersen ’10                                                 CUS                Middletown, DE

Employment:  Appoquinimink Shool District Special Ed.

Involvement & Support of Immaculata University:

• Attended Carol Night - My senior year I was one of the students that carried in baby Jesus.
• Attended Alumni Weekend

Why I’m Interested in Serving on the Alumni Board of Governors:

• I would love to give back to the university that gave so much to me while going through my undergrad.

Other Business Experience and Positions Held:

• Thomas Edison Charter School- Special Education Teacher
• Pathways of Delaware- Special Education Teacher

Community Service and Philanthropic Activities

• Kay's Kamp a camp for kids with cancer for 9 years
• Outreach opportunities with my local church

Awards/Commendations Received: 

• Senior Leadership award

Barbara Crea Shannon ’70                                      CUS                Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania

Employment:  Retired, teacher

Involvement & Support of Immaculata University:

• Many years on the Alumni Board, serving 2 as President.
• I attend many alumni events and contribute when I can.

Why I’m Interested in Serving on the Alumni Board of Governors:

• I want to represent my generation and help promote Immaculata to the younger possible attendees.

Other Business Experience and Positions Held:

• Shaklee independent distributor

Professional Organizations, Membership and Positions Held

• Teacher of religion, language arts and science in Archdiocesan schools
• Member of several cultural organizations in Philadelphia including the Opera company, the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Ballet, the Art Museum, The Barnes Foundation, the Kimmel Center, the National Constitution Center, the Museum of the American Revolution, and others.
• Also, Longwood Gardens and The National Museum of African American History.
• I am the President of the Central Delco X!! October Lodge of the Sons and Daughters of Italy.

Community Service and Philanthropic Activities

• I have served as a member of the Choir at St. Andrew's church (Drexel Hill) for 49 years and as a cantor for 26 years. I have taught adult, and students interested in being a cantor. I have conducted rehearsals at my home for those interested in learning more about music.
• Through Delaware County College, I teach opera appreciation for the Elder Week program, as well as a possible workshop on specific operas.

Awards/Commendations Received: 

• Alumni Medal in 2015 for work on the board and other activities.

Maria Cicippio Smeykal ’83                                    CUS                Collegeville, PA 

Employment:  Associate Director, Learning & Development - Merck & Co., Inc

Involvement & Support of Immaculata University:

• Attended and participated in Carol Night, Alumni Reunion Weekend, IU Awards Reception, New Students Orientation Day, and other special events at IU.

Why I’m Interested in Serving on the Alumni Board of Governors:

• I have been serving on the Alumni Association Board of Governors for the past 3 years. I also serve on the Board as the recording Secretary.  I have found these positions to be very rewarding.  They have kept me connected to my IU roots with the great work that the school does for its students and the community.  I thoroughly enjoy meeting new people and working together for a common cause.  I would like to continue in these positions as I feel I have only just begun.  I want to see the Alumni Board make a difference to the University that took care of me all those years ago.

Other Business Experience and Positions Held:

• Homeowners Association President

Professional Organizations, Membership and Positions Held

• Member DIA, ASTD

Community Service and Philanthropic Activities

• IU Alumni Association Board of Governors – Secretary
• Volunteer in my community at Mitzva Circle

Awards/Commendations Received: 

• Axonify 2019 Top Ace of The Year

Sarah Wolfe ’06, ’10 M.A.                                       CUS, CGS        West Chester, PA

Employment:  Clinical Dietitian, Riddle Hospital, Main Line Health

Involvement & Support of Immaculata University:

• Carol Night
• Alumni Association Board of Governors - member
• Reunion Weekend
• Class Agent
• Annual Fund
• Telethons

Why I’m Interested in Serving on the Alumni Board of Governors:

I have really enjoyed my time on the ABOG. I had a very strong connection to IU while I was a student and to be able to feel connected again is very important to me.  I would like to continue for a second term so I can see some of the work that I and my fellow committee members have accomplished begin to help IU BOG be as successful as possible.

Other Business Experience and Positions Held:

• Adjunct professor at Delaware County Community College

Professional Organizations, Membership and Positions Held

• Kappa Omricon Nu Honor Society - IU President
• Student Dietetic Association - IU Vice President and President
• Class of 2006 Vice President in 2004 and 2005
• Girl Scout Troop Leader 2022 - current

Community Service and Philanthropic Activities

• Volunteer with IU Alumni Board of Governors
• Volunteer with Haverford Historical Society
• Volunteer with Collegium Charter School